No regrets!

You know the saying "Live life to the fullest"? Well, my dad did just that. He embraced life with such a positive attitude and I just hope and pray that I can take on the same positiveness as he had.

Who would have thought that just hours after his 80th Birthday party with family and close friends, he would be gone....in the blink of an eye.

I have dealt with the what ifs and if only's after his passing, but what really matters is the look on my dad's face at his Birthday party. It was meant for us to plan the biggest celebration we could. It was meant for my sister to fly home for this occasion, even though she had to leave her very sick grand-child. It was meant for me to find the perfect decorations and add a bit of humor, which my dad lived for. Who knew that the birthday candles on his cake would be the last he would blow out? My dad lived for each Birthday. He always added 1 year when he would tell people about his upcoming Birthday. I have never seen anyone that loved his birthday more than my dad.

My dad was the most giving man..........

After the party was over and he opened up all his cards and counted his Birthday money, we asked him what he was going to buy with his money. He said he wanted my sister and I to divide it and buy ourselves something. This was just how giving my dad was. I suggested saving it towards the Cruise he wanted all of us to go on. He agreed that was a good idea....Who would have known that when he was moved to VNA Hospice from the hospital, the name of his room was called "The Landeck Room". I immediately thought of the cruise we were going to take. He had arrived on the big ship and was taking his cruise. He cruised right on up to Heaven 2 days later.

There are so many signs that have given our family the Peace we have needed.

I guess my message to everyone would be.....Please don't have any regrets in life. Love on your family and friends. Make today count. Have a party! Celebrate! Like I said....

I have no regrets.

Was it all a Dream?

I feel like I have been dreaming for the past 10 days. One minute we are celebrating the life of my beloved Dad who turned 80 on Feb. 11 and then 5 hours after his party was over, he is struck down from a massive stroke that snuck up on him without warning.

How do I even begin to share what I am feeling right now? I have so many mixed emotions. I have never lost a loved one so close to me. My dad was my buddy. Even though I am 54 years old, I was still daddy's little girl. He called me Baby Doll.

You are never prepared to face death, especially when it is so sudden. I am just so very thankful that our family had time to love on my dad, sing to him, whisper in his ear, rub lotion on his arms, comb his hair, and have our final few days with him before he passed. He was in a coma for those days but I know he heard us.

His service was perfect. He would have been so proud of us for giving him a perfect send off.

At the grave side, the sun was shining down on us and warming us. I can't explain it but I had a feeling of peace and knowing where my dad went was comfort to me.

I told my dad that I will make him proud and carry on where he left off. I will take care of my mom and make sure she does not want for anything.

He is sitting on my shoulder, guiding me. I can feel his presence.

Life does go on...
I miss my dad....
Wake me from this dream...

Blizzard of 2011

I was 10 years old, living in Chicago during the Blizzard of 67 and can remember playing in the streets and my brother getting his boot stuck in a big hole and leaving him there....boy, did my sister and I get in trouble for that.

The Blizzard of 2011 brought back memories. I could not believe how much snow we got. 20 plus inches is a lot of snow. My hubby went out about 4 or 5 times to snow blow the driveway and sidewalk. I got to learn how to operate the snow blower and was excited. I even picked up the shovel and helped. Since I couldn't get my workout at Curves, I got it shovelling.

It was a great day being off work and having a snow day. I have a habit of wanting to be in the kitchen cooking and baking during a snow storm. I started out the morning baking blueberry muffins, put on a large kettle of beef stew & rice for lunch, baked 3 loaves of banana nut bread later in the day. Comfort food! Mike and I even tried to drive some food over to my parents, but couldn't make it. We had to turn around and come back home. I guess that's why they kept saying on the radio "don't leave your house, unless it's an emergency".

I finally took down the rest of my Christmas decorations....I still had my clothesline of cards and my little snow baby Christmas tree up on my piano, so I figured since it was groundhog day, it was time to put all away.

So, this morning, I woke up and the sun is shining so brightly and it is below zero. I do need to go in to work, but going in later, to give the guys time to plow the parking lot.

I am just thankful we didn't lose power during the storm. All in all it was a fun blizzard day. I can say that I survived 2 blizzards in my lifetime now. I still love snow!

Random thoughts

This post should have been about my week 4 weight loss, Power of One Challenge at the shrinking jeans. I don't feel like reporting my 2 lb. gain last week. So there, you have it....I'm still chubby and the bag of valentine's gummy hearts were not worth it. I'm not feeling sorry for myself because I control what I eat and so I messed up. Maybe you will see a post about week 5 next week, until then, I will bore you with my random thoughts.
1. It's been snowing all day, it looks like a white canvas on the ground...I still love snow...
2. My new favorite food is quiche..
3. I am proud of myself for continuing with Curves, even though my eating still needs help...
4. I like going to Zumba at Curves....
5. I like the fact that I can wear house shoes in my office...
6. I am really enjoying this season of American Idol with the new judges...
7. I am hooked on the Housewives of Atlanta, Beverly Hills & Orange County...
8. I love my new box set of Will and Grace from my daughter....
9. I love getting off work at 4...
10.I switched facial cleansers to Neutrogena and am liking it...
11.I still love my Vera Bradley purse I got on clearance for $12...Coach is taking a break...
12.I love watching The Duggars...The Little Couple and Little People Big World....
13.I guess you could say I like reality t.v.
14.Can't wait til Celebrity Apprentice starts again...
15.I love the new Oprah Winfrey Network, OWN...

Saturday at the Movies with 4

I invited my 4 oldest grand kids to the movies to see "Tangled". Abby didn't want her picture taken but I managed to sneak in a few. Aren't these some handsome boys? Noah, Gray & Carter.It was such a fun Saturday with Gray, Noah, Carter & Abby. This was my first try at taking all 4 to the movies. I stocked my Big purse up with treats. The ride over there in my van was entertaining enough. They giggled and made each other laugh and just had a ball. I looked in the rear view mirror and thought to myself, how blessed I am. The cousins don't get together as much as they should. Usually just for Birthday parties or holidays.

After the movie was over I tried to sneak in a few pictures and you can see Abby not liking me sneaking them in.
I treated them to McDonald's after the movie and we came back to my house and played some more.

Abby is saying "hey, don't take my picture". She loved being around her boy cousins and asked me if they could all have a sleepover some time. It was so cute, when we were walking in the theater, her and Gray were holding hands. It was the sweetest thing. I know, my camera was buried in my purse, or I would have snapped a picture.

So, Abby finally let me take her picture. She made herself a birthday cake. She will turn 4 in March...she wanted me to lite the candle and sing to her.

Then it was time to take the boys home. We stayed for a little bit while Abby and Ivy played so sweet together. On the way back to my house, Abby said she liked Aunt Steph's house because it has an upstairs, like a castle. She wants to go back she said. Her daddy & mommy picked her up and I hopped in the shower and called it a day. I loved hanging out with the foursome!

Skype buddies

What's the next best thing when you live over a thousand miles away from family you love? Skype! I am so thankful for Skype. I am able to visit with my sister as much as we want to. This is Aden with his daddy, Rob. (sorry about the distorted picture) They are my niece, Dayna's hubby and son. Aden's brother, Evan loves to Skype with me. He points to their computer and says "Aunt Ronna". My grand kids met their cousins through Skyping. When they come over, we try to see if anyone is on and we visit. One of the things Abby loves to do when she is over is run up the stairs to the computer room and see if Aunt Diane is on Skype. It just warms my heart to visit with my loved ones and watch the little ones grow. Today is Evan & Aden's Birthday party. They were born 1 year and 3 days apart. My niece said she would turn on Skype during the party and let me see what's going on. It's like being there. This is just one of the things I am so thankful for!

The Power of One - Weigh in # 3

So, here we are at week 3 of this Challenge. I have great news to report. I am down another 2 lbs., making my total loss at 5 lbs. It really blows my mind cause my food choices have been very strange, but I have stuck to my smaller portion sizes and No night eating. I have also changed the snack choices and am drinking more water. I am enjoying my Zumba class at Curves and I have been sticking to my 50 sit-ups before bedtime.
I dumped out my candy dish at work that contained my favorite hard Christmas candy and replaced it with dried fruits and healthy nuts. It's a great feeling to know that I can still have chips (baked lays) and desserts (half frozen choc. covered banana's) and still lose weight. The secret for me is giving up the night eating and eating more protein. I feel like the power is starting to come back and I can continue on this journey of making healthier choices and lose weight. Summer is just around the corner!

The Power of One - Weigh in #2

So, I am a few days late in posting this, but I have a good excuse....I thought my Weight Watchers scale was broke but it only needed batteries. When I went to put the batteries in, it still wouldn't work, so hubby fixed it...turned out, I had the batteries in wrong...oops! So, I do have good news to report. I had a 1 lb. weight loss last week, making my total loss at 3 lbs. Hey, I will gladly take this. I had a very rough week foodwise. I found myself wanting to munch at my desk at work. I had some kind of nervous munching thing going on. So, I went to the healthfood store and got some dried fruits and nuts and made a mix. I did pretty good on my portion sizes, but my food choices sometimes weren't the best. I did make it to Curves and even did a Zumba class. So, my goals for this week are:
1. Make it to Curves every day, including the Zumba classes.
2. Substitute my raspberry ice tea for water.
3. 50 sit ups on the exercise ball before bedtime.
4. No night eating! cut off the eating at 6:00 pm.
5. More fruits and veggies.
I hope to report another weight loss on Wednesday at the 3rd weigh in.

New Year's Eve 12/31/10 with A & J

Abby & Jack came over to party with me for a while on New Year's Eve. I wanted Abby to hold up this sign and she didn't want to for some reason. I think she's saying "why are you making me hold this"?

The party got started with the big pink exercise ball. Jack is carrying his cup in preparation for the toast.who knew that an exercise ball could be so much fun?
Ok, so the highlight of our evening was when I passed out rolls of (cheap) toilet paper and said "Go for it". Who knew I would be the one to get all wrapped up. It was so much fun and the clean up was not bad at all. I bribed them by saying we would get dessert as soon as it was all cleaned up. It works every time!

I was a very tired Mimi by the end of the night. They left before we rang in the New Year. I made me a pina colada and relaxed. Grampa was downstairs in his lazy boy snoring the whole time the party was going on. It was a fun party if I say so myself. Thanks Abby & Jack!

We Celebrate 34 Years of Steph!

She's Beauty


She's Babywearer
She's a Teacher, Writer, Encourager....

She's an Entertainer, Chef....
She's a Wife
She's a Mommy
She's a Best Friend
She's a Daughter
She's a Sister

She is Stephanie and we Celebrate Her today. Thirty-four years ago today, on a Saturday at 5:17 p.m. a princess was born. I knew the very moment our eyes met that she was special and God had great plans in store for her. I am so proud of the person she is and my wish for her is a day filled with blessings beyond all measure. Happy Birthday Steph!

Much Love, Mom

The Power of One - Weigh-in Week #1

Drum roll please.....my first week of the challenge weigh-in produced a 2 lb. loss. I will gladly take this number. This has been a very rough week for me all around. I started getting sick last Friday and was on the couch most of the weekend and a visit to the doctor on Monday showed I had a Virus "Bad Cold". But, the doctor visit also gave some great news from blood work results from a month ago I had done. She said my cholesterol was perfect and everything else was great. My blood pressure was even normal and it had been high for so long. I felt like she gave me a clean slate to get this party started in the weight loss area. She was thrilled that I am continuing with my Curves work-0uts and I decided to start doing Zumba along with the Curves. My first Zumba class is Saturday morning. Curves is offering the Zumba classes along with the Curves work-out. I am really excited about this new work-out.

If I could say one thing that was a Challenge for me this week that I overcame was the left over cookies and specialty chocolates that was in my work place that people would bring in. I walked past the Fannie May Pixies and decided that I would choose a yogurt as my snack instead of the little chocolate enemies. This for me was a huge step! I am so proud of Me for this. I kept thinking, what would Nancy and my sister think if I told them I gave in to these little devils? I also pictured the candy on my hips.

Although this was a rough week for me with being sick and not getting to Curves as much as I could have I am still happy with my results.

I do have to say that I did watch my portion sizes during meals. My hubby and I went out to eat one time and I ended up giving him my twice baked potato because I decided that I really didn't want it. Now, that's another step in the right direction. And I ate only 1 slice of the homemade bread at dinner instead of half the loaf.

I feel like the Power in me is back and I can do this. I hope to report another loss next week.

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

I am ready to start 2011 in a more positive way than I started in 2010. Even though I don't feel well today, fighting another bought of a cough and body aches, I won't let it get me down. I am picking myself up and doing something on my last day of 2010 that counts. I don't have any major plans to ring in the New Year. I am going to spend a few hours tonight watching Abby & Jack. My hubby will probably be in his lazy boy chair snoring. I feel like the new year is going to bring more jobs to people who need them. And I hope and pray my business picks up so we can call back the ones we had to lay off. I am looking forward to improving my health and well being by eating more sensibly and making it to Curves at least 4 times per week. My hope for you is a Happy & Healthy 2011 and may God bless you in ways you never thought possible. Ring in the New Year in a safe way and enjoy!
Now, share your New Year's Eve plans.....

The Power is mine

I had no desire to start a weight loss challenge 3 days before the New Year. I was going to start hard and heavy on Jan. 1, along with millions of other people, but my bestest bloggy buddy, Nancy, invited me to do this challenge with her. I feel like this is just what I need to get in gear for a healthier new year. The Shrinking Jeans have this new Challenge going on starting today and ending Feb. 23. This Challenge is all about being Number One and the Power we have in ourselves. We will weigh in every Wednesday and report our loss or gain. Hopefully I can report all losses. We are suppose to take a before picture. I have a list of 10 goals I am setting for myself during this challenge.
1. continue going to Curves every day the doors are open.
2. sit-ups on the exercise ball before going to bed each night.
3. walking as much as possible during the day and less sitting around.
4. drinking more water during the day.
5. watching my portion sizes during meals.
6. eating more fruits and vegetables.
7. making smarter snack choices.
8. when eating out, pay attention to healthier selections.
9. tell myself every day that I am worth this and I deserve to be healthy and happy.
10. stay in touch with my fellow challengers and get encouraged and encourage them.

The Power is up to me. No One except myself can do this for me. I am worth it. I AM #1 and will do the best I can. Thank you Nancy for encouraging me to give this challenge a try. I really want to feel better and I know that eating right and exercising is the Key. Now, I am going to get this started and report back next Wednesday, with hopefully some good news. Anyone who reads this and wants to join Nancy and myself in this challenge, hop on board and join us.
Dec. 29, 2010 is my new starting date to a new and improved #1 Me. Cause I'm worth it!

The story of the 2 Chairs

Once upon a time, this past Thanksgiving, the family was sitting around my dining room table after we ate with the newspaper sales adds spread all over like a table cloth. Son-in-law, Jeff, opened up the Big Lots store add and admired a "set" of walnut leather tub chairs. He got so excited and said he would really like to put them in his New Office, since he recently got a Big promotion and is trying to decorate his new office. Jeff is usually not a person to mention that he wants things and I knew this must be something very dear to his heart. My wheels starting spinning in my head of what he will be getting for Christmas from us. And the price was right.
Fast forward to 7am the day after Thanksgiving.....I went to Big Lots in search of the chairs. I spoke to the furniture guy letting him know that I wanted to buy the chairs but I could only fit one in my van and in order to use the $10 coupon that was in the paper, you had to use it only on the following Sunday. The guy said there were plenty of the chairs in the storage room and that would work. I told him I would be back, first thing on Sunday to buy the other chair. When I got home with the chair, I had this idea that we would wrap it up to look like a present and sit our small tree on top. We would wait until all the gifts were passed out and then tell Jeff that his gift was "under the tree". And have the second chair in another room.
So, I go to Big Lots to buy the second chair and there were NO walnut leather tub chairs to be found in that store. My heart sunk. The furniture guy looked in his computer to see if any other stores around had any. He even made a phone call. There were none to be had. He said he had no idea if they would be getting any more before or after Christmas. So, I didn't give up hope. I did a lot of praying and even stretched my hand towards Big Lots every time I passed it and prayed for another chair to appear. (I'm crazy like that). I figured if I couldn't find another chair, I could always return the one chair and get Jeff shirts and ties.
Fast forward to Thursday, Dec. 9....I was on my lunch hour and decided to run in another Big Lots near my work. I spoke to the "Angel" lady in the furniture department and told her my story and how I need to find another chair. She immediately started making phone calls to other Big Lot stores and looking in her computer found that 2 towns had them. The closest Big Lots that had another one was 56 miles away. She got the guy on the phone and told him of my desperation to find another chair. He said he had One and is only suppose to hold it for 24 hours but will hold it until the following Wednesday. Thank you Brian at the Oakbrook, IL., Big Lots! So, hubby and I decided to drive out there on Friday night after work to pick the chair up. We were about 20 miles down the road and I called Brian at Big Lots to let him know we were on our way. Well, Brian was not working that night and No one at the store could find the chair he put aside for me, after holding on the line for 15 min....So...I turned around and didn't go, that night. I did give the guy my phone number for Brian to call me. Well, the next night, I called to see if Brian was working and I was so happy when he answered my call. He knew who I was and said YES, come on out, the chair is there. I was never so happy.
We got there and paid and loaded up the chair. A big lesson was learned from this. Buy it when it's available. Sometimes a coupon is not worth it.
Fast forward Christmas Eve....After all the presents were handed out, I told Jeff I needed him to go get the gift that I left in the other room, which was the unwrapped chair. He went to get it and yelled "I can't believe this" he was so surprised and excited. He still didn't know he had another waiting wrapped under the tree. So he came back in the room where everyone was opening their gifts and I finally told him "your other present is under the tree"....he saw the size of the box and knew it was the other chair. I got lots of hugs from him afterwards and I felt like my prayers were answered.
And they all lived happily ever after......
The end

Abigail's Gift

My grand-daughter, Abigail "Abby" is only 3 years old but has the maturity level of a much older gal. She made the FRONT page of our local newspaper. Please read to get the whole story....

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/article_3bdadad5-a24d-5af1-a154-1af8aec0209b.htm

My heart is swelled with pride at this story. We met her for dinner after her haircut and she said "Mimi do you like my new haircut"? I said "I LOVE it"! I told her she did a great deed and will make some one's Christmas oh so special. She kept touching her hair and flipping it back and was so happy about her new look. I rushed to the door this morning to look in the paper box outside to see the article and was so excited that she made the Front page. This made my Christmas so much more special. I am so proud of her!

Gram's salt & pepper shakers still live on

I have a few very special treasures that belonged to my mother-in-law. One of the dearest to my heart is this little set of salt & pepper shakers. I can remember when "Gram" was alive, she would set out this cute set right after Thanksgiving at the start of getting ready for Christmas. I always admired them and got all warm inside when I would see them. They are made of hard plastic and very durable. All 7 of her grand kids at some point would play with them at the table and she was OK with this, but I could hear her say "be careful with the pepper and don't get any in your eyes". I had to retire them at being used for salt & pepper because the bottom to Santa fell off, but I still display them every Christmas as if they were filled.
I was at a store yesterday and came across this set of salt & pepper shakers that gave me that warm feeling inside and reminded me of Gram. I had to buy them.

I hope my grand kids will want to pick them up and play with them at the table. I will tell them "don't get pepper in your eyes". I love holding on to my memories of one of the classiest, special ladies that I had the pleasure of knowing. She was not only my mother-in-law, she was a Best Friend. If I could only be half the grandmother that she was, I will be oh so happy. So, this Christmas dinner, Gram's salt & pepper shakers will be joined by the new set and we will start building new memories and share them with the old memories.

The wee little chairs

Once in a while I like going to the half price sale at our local Goodwill store. You never know what treasures you might find. Last year I found this adorable white round table with 2 chairs "For the size of a doll to sit in" and it was brand new, still in the box. Who would have known it would be the biggest hit at Mimi & Grampa's house? All the grand kids love to sit in the wee little chairs and have a tea party with their favorite bear, brother or sister. It amazes me how strong these little chairs are. They have been put through a lot of abuse. The table has a habit of tipping over and it is still holding up too.
I babysat for Jack last week and was looking to see where he ran off to and found him in the dining room playing tea party, sitting in the little chair. It reminds me of the story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" when I see each one sit in the tiny chair. I hold my breath that it doesn't break down.

Abby & Jack stopped by a few nights ago and the first thing they wanted to do was have a tea party and sit in the wee little chairs.

I hope they hold up for my Great Grand kids....

My Christmas wish list

The older I get the less I want. I'm a very easy gift receiver pleaser. If you know me, since becoming a Mimi 9 years ago, my favorite gift is always a framed picture of my grandkids or kids. For fun, I thought I would compile a list of things that I would want or need this Christmas. I would love for you to leave me a comment and let me know what's on your list this year.
1. Cucumber melon body wash from bath & body
2. Cucumber melon Dove facial wipes (they don't sell at the stores anymore)
3. multi colored knitted ruffled scarf for rose pink coat
4. small bible for purse
5. Simple silver hoop earrings
6. Open heart necklace from Kay Jewelers
7. Carson's gift card
8. Will and Grace Box set
9. medium non stick frying pan for eggs or omelet
10.Snowbaby 2010 ornament

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas at Mimi's

My Saturday of decorating for Christmas started with dropping off Penny Pricilla for her Grooming appointment. When I picked her up she looked like a new dog. Even though she's a long haired daschund, we like to keep her cut short. Now she's all ready for the Holidays.I caught Santa in the corner riding the pony while I was putting up the tree.The Grand kids stocking were hung in the entryway with care.

We decided to go a little more simple this year and put up the small tree. Hubby's idea was to wrap a large box as our tree table. I wanted to make it fun, so I went with Toy Story 3 theme and put up my Disney ornaments. I like to change it up from year to year.
I love how this display turned out. I put some of my snow baby ornaments on a little tree. I wanted to display my Christmas cards after seeing how cute Steph's display turned out last year, by clipping them on a rope line. I'm going to add more greenery on the curio cabinets. So this is a little sneak peek at the start of my decorating. I feel like I can breathe a little better, now that this is behind me. Now it's on to the wrapping of gifts and finishing up the shopping. Thanks for coming by and checking out my Christmas. I would have offered you a cookie, but they sorta got burnt.